What To Expect During A Comprehensive Dental Examination
Posted on: 29 June 2023
Share
A comprehensive dental examination is a proactive way to help prevent dental problems. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for both regular and comprehensive examinations and professional teeth cleanings, help ensure your oral health. Comprehensive dental examinations are more in-depth than regular dental exams and are generally performed every few years or so. Here are some things you can expect from your family dentist during your comprehensive dental examination.
Photos, X-Rays, And Individual Tooth Exams
Your dentist may take special photos of the inside of your oral cavity and your teeth so that records can be kept pertaining to tooth color, enamel condition, tooth shape, and the condition of your soft tissues. Your dentist will also examine your mouth to assess it for any dental problems and will screen you for oral cancer. Every tooth will be examined separately and the condition of each tooth may be documented in your dental records.
During your individual tooth exam, your dentist will check each tooth to determine if you might benefit from dental crowns, bonding treatments, or protective sealants. In addition to photographs of your mouth, dental X-rays will also be taken during your comprehensive dental examination. They help your dentist identify structural problems, dental decay, and severe tooth infections known as abscesses.
Periodontal Exam
Your comprehensive dental exam will also include a periodontal examination. Periodontal disease can often be reversed if identified and treated early on. Your family dentist will examine your gums for inflammation, infectious drainage, sponginess, and color. Gum disease often causes the gum tissue to turn dark red and the gums are often irritated. Periodontal pockets will also be assessed and measured with a dental probe to determine how deep they are.
Periodontal pockets are spaces that form around your teeth in the presence of gum disease. If you have deep periodontal pockets or other signs of severe gum disease, your family dentist may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. If warranted, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease.
In addition to scheduling your regular dental examinations and cleanings, be sure to schedule comprehensive dental exams with your family dentist. They will recommend an examination schedule for you depending on your general state of dental health and personal preferences so that you can enjoy a healthy mouth and beautiful smile that will make you proud.
Contact a local dental office, such as Westnedge Family Dentistry, to learn more.